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title: "The Download: Open for a quick Download on Iowa Tech ⬇️"
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Inside: The 146-year-old Tech Startup, Who to Know in Health Tech, CR Community STEM Day

| View in browser THOUGHT LEADERSHIP The 146-year-old Tech Startup Adding to the Cultural Record: In a guest post on Tej Dhawan’s Substack, Gary Scholten reflects on Principal Financial Group’s startup-like origins and the organization’s continued role in driving innovation across Iowa.   He draws powerful parallels between startups and corporations—reminding us that both begin with bold ideas—and emphasizes how established companies can help grow the next generation of entrepreneurs. Read the full story ➞ On the Move ▶   Jenni Hipwell promoted to Chief People Officer at Zirous ▶   Alanah Mitchell appointed as Dean of the Zimpleman College of Business at Drake University ▶   Erfan Mojaddam, Ed.M., appointed to Chief Information Officer at Des Moines University ▶   Tina Posey joined Spinutech as Chief Executive Officer ▶   Austin Strawhacker named new state director of SBDC Iowa LEADERSHIP Iowa Tech Leaders To Know ▸  Health Tech  Meet the Leaders ➞ Photo Credit: Iowa State University EDUCATION ISU Launches Cybersecurity Certificate ISU News: Iowa State University is offering a new, online undergraduate certificate in cybersecurity to help strengthen the skills of workers and build the state’s workforce. The program’s first students will begin studies this fall. Learn more ➞ Photo Credit: The Gazette EDUCATION Community STEM Day Shows Versatility of STEM Iowa News Now: Last week, Collins Aerospace and the Southeast Iowa STEM Region welcomed 2,000+ attendees to the 3rd annual Community STEM Day. Kids explored drones, built robots, toured labs, and discovered how prosthetic hands come together—sparking curiosity across 75+ exhibits. Learn more  ➞ See photos ➞ TAI Member Achievements 🏆  Carolyn Weaver (Des Moines University) Honored in the 2025 OnCon Icon Awards for the Top 100 Technology Professionals 🏆  Pella Corporation Recognized with 2025 Future of Manufacturing Award More Member News Associated Computer Systems (ACS) has officially rebranded as Koltiv Collaborative Growth Initiative Launches “MakeMyMove Greater Cedar Rapids” Program to Attract Remote Workers ICN Adds Network Redundancy in North Central Iowa Mediacom Communications has announced the grand opening of its new Network Operations Center (NOC) in West Des Moines, Iowa. Iowa Startup Accelerator, powered by NewBoCo, is launching this fall. Share Your News ➞ Iowa Tech Jobs Systems Analyst - University Advancement @ UNI 📍Cedar Falls, IA   Database Administrator III @ Palmer Group 📍Des Moines, IA   Digital Solutions Specialist @ Shive Hattery 📍Des Moines, IA; Iowa City, IA; Bettendorf, IA   .NET Developer @ VGM HOMELINK 📍Waterloo, IA Job Openings ➞ Connect With Us You are receiving this email because you opted in on our website or registered for a past TAI event.   Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get TAI and Iowa Tech News delivered to your inbox. Technology Association of Iowa, 500 E Court Ave., #140, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 Manage preferences |
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